Skilled Worker visa changes

The government has updated the Skilled Worker visa which tightens the restrictions around eligibility.

As of 22 July 2025, certain dental roles, including dental technicians, dental hygienists and dental nurses are no longer eligible for the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visas. These roles do not meet the updated skill threshold (now RQF Level 6, equivalent to a degree), they are also not included on either the Immigration Salary List or the Temporary Shortage List.

Eligible Occupations and SOC 2020 Codes

The Home Office sets out eligible jobs in Appendix Skilled Occupations, Appendix Immigration Salary List and Appendix Temporary Shortage List of the Immigration Rules. Each eligible role is assigned a SOC 2020 occupation code. The code for Dental Technicians is 3213/03 and Clinical Dental Technicians 3213/99.

Salary requirements for work visas are also being raised in line with the latest Office for National Statistics data, ahead of an upcoming thorough review of salary requirements (including discounts) by the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). From 22 July, the minimum standard salary threshold for skilled worker visa applicants will be increased from £38,700 per year to £41,700 per year or the going rate for the role, whichever is higher.

Only existing visa holders can extend or switch roles as long as they remain in the same job type and meet all other visa conditions.

If you already sponsor a dental technician be mindful of continuity requirements and visa renewal deadlines. 

Gov.uk: Extend your Visa 

Gov.uk: Skilled Worker Visa